Disappointed with Harapan's pick, businessman to join race for Rantau

Disappointed with Pakatan Harapan's choice of "outsider" Dr S Streram as the candidate for the Rantau by-election, a local businessperson announced today that he will contest in the polls as an independent.

Hazan Khalid, 52, told Sinar Harian that he does not mind losing his deposit in the process.

"There are many candidates, why was Streram chosen? He wants to contest without knowing the sentiment among the grassroots.

"I want to contest as an independent because I don't agree with him being chosen as the candidate," he was quoted as saying.

Hazan, a PKR member for 13 years, added that he does not mind being booted from the party over his decision to run.

"It is not just me, many PKR grassroots members reject Streram. A lot of people are disappointed that the party leadership did not listen to our feedback," he said.

"I don't care what happens, I will still contest. I don't mind losing the deposit, because I have 800 PKR members behind me."

Hazan also claimed that there will be at least four other candidates contesting as independents in the April 13 by-election.

According to Sinar, Tandiko Dalusin, a member of Rasah Amanah, had also posted on his Facebook page yesterday about entering the contest.

The by-election was called following a decision by the Election Court to void incumbent Mohamad Hasan's win in the 14th general election.

This was after the returning officer had prevented Streram from entering the nomination centre to file his papers, resulting in a walkover for Mohamad.

The acting Umno president is expected to defend the Negeri Sembilan seat against Streram.